uufie reinterpret tree house in canadian lake cottage

uufie reinterpret tree house in canadian lake cottage
all images courtesy of uufie

re-envisioning a typical tree house, canadian architecture firm uufie have designed this ‘lake cottage’, where nature is an integral part of the building. the house is located in bolsover, ontario, canada surrounded by birch and spruce tree forest along the kawartha lakes. the two-storey structure is composed of a 7m high a-frame pitch roof, covered in black steel and charred cedar cladding. accommodating a large family, the multi-use interior features a deep cut in the volume, to create a cantilevered overhang. the protected terrace is visible from the exterior, where a series of mirrors reflect trees onto its surface to further enhance the illusion of bringing the forest into the building. the sensation of the built form merging with nature is continued onto the interior – the living space is organized as a self-contained unit, while the peripheral rooms extend outwards to the forest. 

the surrounding forest becomes an integral part of the building
image © uufie

fourteen openings reveal the living unit from different perspectives, including the inhabited spaces, and also the skies and trees. the elements are treated with articulated edges and finishes using rough panels to show the inherent nature of the materials. the abstract treatment of the interior aims to foster one’s imagination, re-examining it as a potential play area. a solid timber staircase leads to a loft, evoking the feeling of ascending into tree canopies with reflected sunlight softly falling onto the light-blue fish-scaled shingle wall.

looking into the cut-out terrace with trees reflected onto its surface
image © naho kubota

the ‘lake cottage’ was built using local materials and construction methods, integrating sustainability principles into its design. the black and wood cladding on the exterior uses a technique of charring cedar, a natural protector against termites and fire. the thick walls and roof structure provide high-levels of insulation with a central wooded hearth to create heat. deep recessed windows and skylights also offer natural ventilation and lighting into the interior volume. the carefully constructed details help to connect the interior with the world outside, enhancing the experience of living within the branches of a tree.

the terrace is formed by a cantilevered structure covered with mirrors, reflecting the surrounding forest
image © naho kubota

the dining space with its direct connection to the outside forest
image © naho kubota

the dining room with cut-out windows through to the adjacent space
image © naho kubota

the living space within the a-frame structure
image © naho kubota

looking down into the main living room from above
image © naho kubota

the tree-house like loft features a fish-scaled shingle wall stained in light blue
image © naho kubota

window detail
image © uufie + naho kubota

windows that look through to the living spaces
image © uufie + naho kubota

stair detail
image © naho kubota

drawings

project info:

title: lake cottage
location: bolsover, ontario, canada
architect: uufie
general contractor: level design build
principal use: cottage
total floor area: 65.00sqm
structure: wood
design period: 2010.1-2010.8
construction period: 2010.10-2013.1
photographer: naho kubota, uufie

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